Free prostate exams help alleviate gap in screening programs

LATHAM -- Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in men, and oftentimes it goes undetected until the disease has progressed considerably. The Prostate Center of Community Care Physicians has created a community outreach program designed to catch the disease early; each Friday the Center offers free prostate screenings from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Urologic Oncologist Hugh A.G. Fisher MD of the Urologic Institute of Northeastern New York of Community Care Physicians, P.C. says that prostate cancer is a serious issue affecting men today. "Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer. One in six men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime. It is a disease that still kills almost 30,000 men every year in the United States," he said. "The good news is that, with early detection and more improved screening, prostate cancer can be identified earlier."

Fisher said that The Prostate Center of Community Care Physicians fills an important need in the community. "The Prostate Center is a community outreach program started to detect prostate cancer. There is a gap in the market when it comes to prostate cancer. Most screening programs in the capital region of NY focus on women's health, such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer," he said. "Furthermore, prostate cancer prevention services have often struggled with the reluctance of men to talk about their health and to seek help when needed. We recognize that even though prostate cancer is a male disease, women have a significant impact on the men in their lives seeking medical care. Engaging women in the education process can actually be beneficial to outcomes for men."

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The Prostate Center was set up to identify, diagnose, and provide easy referral to treatment for men with prostate cancer. This community based program enables patients to receive prostate screenings without worrying about cost. The Prostate Center provides free prostate cancer screenings for men, including PSA blood testing and digital rectal exam," said Fisher.

A typical screening lasts about 15 minutes and consists of both blood work and an exam. "When men come in for their screening, they typically speak with our nurse first to discuss general information about prostate cancer and statistics, family history, what brought them in for an appointment and answer any questions they may have. The man will complete routine paperwork prior to the screening. The screening itself consists of a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE)," said Fisher "We mail the screening results within two weeks of the man's screening, along with follow-up recommendations and referral if necessary."

While appointments are available, the Center also accepts walk-ins for their Friday screening program. "Patients do not need a referral or even a primary care provider to get a screening. This is a free screening program, so no insurance is needed," Fisher said. "Men can simply walk in on Fridays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. or, if they don't want to risk having to wait, they can schedule an appointment online at www.theprostatecenter.org or by phone at 518-640-6789."

Fisher said that options are available to those who may need to be referred for further testing but are concerned about cost. "Community Care Physicians is also part of the NYS DOH's Cancer Services Program in Albany and Rensselaer Counties. So, if an uninsured or underinsured patient is screened and there is need for further testing or treatment, those patients join this Cancer Services Program and have their treatment for prostate cancer at one of Community Care's offices covered if they qualify and are enrolled in the program."

Fisher recommends regular screening, even though the patient may feel perfectly fine. "Annual screening starting at age 50 is recommended for men at average risk for prostate cancer. Men with a higher risk of prostate cancer [such as] African American men, men with a family history of the disease, and obese men, should be screened starting at age 45. If more than one risk factor is present, screening may start as early as age 40," he said. "Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer. It is also a cancer that often doesn't show signs or symptoms until the cancer has progressed and is more dangerous."